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Currently more than 6 in 10 Australian adults and around 1 in 4 Australian children are overweight or obese. Neglecting this problem will lead to increases in the burden of ill health accompanied by increased health care and nursing home costs, reduced quality of life and a decrease in Australia’s productivity. So what are our politicians promising us in the upcoming election? Not a lot...

The Australian Labour Party to date has released no new policies relating to improving our activity and nutrition environments, nor for treatment of obesity and related diseases.

The Coalition has recognised the need to coordinate a better response to diabetes given its rising prevalence in the Australian community and will support the development of a new National Diabetes Strategy and will also provide $35 million to help find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes through the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Clinical Research Network

Proposed and ongoing support of our hospital and primary care systems, along with support for disability and dementia are all important initiatives. As are the current government’s support of the Australian National Preventive Health Agency, front of pack labelling and the National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health. But more is needed to address the obesity crisis, and this election should have seen a showcasing of new policies to improve Australia’s nutrition and physical activity environments and support those living with obesity.

ANZOS is continuing to advocate to all major parties. Tell our politicians that this policy gap is dangerous and help get obesity prevention and treatment back on the political table.